BA HONOURS DIGITAL ARCHIVAL AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (DAH)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DAH101 | Introduction to Archives and Historical Records (CORE) |
This module is an introduction to the basic theories, methodologies, and most significant problems relating to the management of records and archives. It exposes students to the diversity of records created and preserved from the past and those created, used and retained in the present. It constitutes the foundation for understanding documentation and recordkeeping in contemporary society. The module also provides an understanding of why societies, cultures, organizations, and individuals create and keep records. All this is pertinent as it constitutes the foundation for understanding documentation and recordkeeping in contemporary society. |
| HIA101 | Introduction to the study of History (CORE) | This module exposes students to the theoretical and practical approaches to the study of History as a subject. It introduces students to the basic methods and techniques of writing History and constitutes the foundation for understanding and comparing different historical writings. |
| DAH102 | Resources Use and Application in University Learning and Business | To be borrowed from Applied Sociology |
| DAH103 | Archival research (OPTIONAL) | This module introduces students to practical aspects of creative and provocative historical research. It introduces students to the much required in-person contact with archives, especially where digital archives are non-existent. As they interact with physical archives, students will develop historical imagination which is an important part of their training to become established scholars. The module offers students the practice in thinking like historiographers through the intellectual and technical preparation it requires, and the moments of reflection that it offered to the students |
| DAH107 | Organisation Theory and Public Management (OPTIONAL) | The module exposes students to organizational theories and the management of public organisations. The module interrogates organizational theories such as the classical theory, human relations theory and the administrative theory. Students should be able to determine how these theories apply in contemporary public sector organisations. The module also examines practical aspects of management in areas like communication, organizational change, decision making and conflict resolution. These aspects are meant to prepare students for the world of work where they will be expected to apply theoretical aspects onto practical and real life challenges both in the workplace and outside the workplace. The module generally aims at developing public sector managers of tomorrow, but of course with a bias to cultural and heritage management disciplines. |
| DAH108 | Collection of Historical Records and Manuscripts (CORE) | This module discusses the servicing, management and care of historical manuscripts. Attention will also be given to arrangement and description, and interpretation of manuscripts. The module provides students with an introduction to manuscript study and the skills involved in working with manuscripts. Topics to be covered include: transcription, interpreting manuscripts (authorship, language, materials), manuscripts in the age of print as well as manuscripts and textual editing. This is the foundation of the collection of credible and useful data that is of utilitarian value. This is the foundation of the collection of credible and useful data that is of utilitarian value. |
| DAH109 | Archives and Colonialism (CORE) | The module dwells on the archives and the production of knowledge in colonial Africa. It also explores the role of colonial archives in the governance of the empires. Topics to be covered include: reading and interpreting colonial archives, the status of colonial archives in contemporary Africa, the politics of collection of information in the empires. The module is an overview of the dynamics in the collection and management of information in colonial Africa The module is an overview of the dynamics in the collection and management of information in colonial Africa. This is crucial as it allows for critical scrutiny of the mind/objectives /machinations of some of the preservers of the data in the archives. |
| DAH110 | Archives and Community Engagement (OPTIONAL) | This module equips students with the skills to assist communities to create their own archives, thereby providing a voice for marginalized groups, adding new viewpoints to the traditional historical record, and preserving heritage that has been left out of traditional archives and museums. The module will equip students with skills to assist communities to create local archives thereby creating archival space that is rooted in local residential narratives. Students will develop skills to analyse the importance of archival practice that is informed by cultural and ethical best practices, offering a model for Indigenous community archival practice. |
| HIA201 | Theories and Methods in History (OPTIONAL) | The module aims to encourage critical thinking about research methods in history, in particular the different themes, approaches and theories. Lectures will include quantitative analysis, archival work, research ethics, ethnographic field techniques and presentation skills. This module focuses on social research methodologies such as survey and field research, questionnaire design, content analysis, analysis of existing data, focus group, individual and group observation (including participatory observation) etc. It is meant to empower students to plan, conduct and present research findings. It also focuses on important research aspects such as ethics in research. This is critical as it empowers students to access data, plan, conduct and present research findings appropriately and credibly. |
| DAH201 | Preserving Records and Archives (CORE) | This module assesses different theories and practices relating to the preservation of records and archives. It explores the basic principles and techniques of preservation to safeguard records and archival material. The module also explores various perils that may have a negative impact on the life-cycle of archives and records. It also examines the evolution of methods and technologies used to create, store, organize, and preserve records. This is useful in as far as oral traditions and histories are at the core of gathering data which is wholesome and holistic. This enhances preservation of data which is critical for future research and researchers. |
| HIA202 | History of Zimbabwe before 1890 (CORE) | This module examines the history of what later became Zimbabwe. Its major focus is on the developments among the early farming communities on the Zimbabwean plateau, state systems, Mfecane states, missionaries' encounters, and colonial encroachment. |
| DAH202 | Ethics in Archival records Management (OPTIONAL) | This module explores the role of ethics in information management. Focus is on the major ethical issues that arise in the context of using archival information and records. It analyses ethical frameworks that have shaped the field of information sciences. |
| HIA208 | History of Zimbabwe 1890 to 1980 (CORE) | The module explores the political, social and economic features of colonial Zimbabwe paying particular attention to the marginalization of Africans. The responses of Africans to colonial domination and the subsequent liberation struggle are also examined. The topics that the module covers are: the occupation of Mashonaland and Matabeleland by the white settlers, African resistance to occupation, the establishment of the colonial economy and political systems, rise of African nationalism and the armed struggle for independence. |
| DAH205 | Records Classification Systems (OPTIONAL) | The module explores different types of records as well as record classifications systems. The process of classification helps describe, organize and control information. It creates order in understanding what an organisation does and how it does it. A simple classification tool can facilitate and enhance the capacity of the organisation to share information and knowledge. Information can be organized in different ways for different purposes. In a library, for example, classification is used to organize information by subject to facilitate resource discovery. In this overview, classification is undertaken for the purpose of managing records and other business information according to their business context within an organisation. The students will be able to identify, develop and apply records classification systems for different contexts. This is critical in enhancing accessibility of pertinent records. |
| DAH206 | Audio-Visual Archiving (OPTIONAL) | The module explores the management of audio-visual materials in terms of creation, collection development, intellectual control, access and preservation. In this module students will be introduced to the theoretical and methodological knowledge necessary for the care of audio-visual archives, including visual and sound recordings, and other non-textual archives, such as cartographic, architectural and photographic archives. The module also provides an overview of the discipline, including its history and the development of audio-visual archives. This is critical in enhancing accessibility of pertinent records. This enhances appreciation of the theoretical and methodological knowledge necessary for the care of audio-visual archives, including visual and sound recordings, and other non-textual archives, such as cartographic,architectural and photographic archives, all pertinent in providing useful data. |
| DAH207 | Archives and Decolonization (CORE) | The module encompasses a diverse array of topics on the contemporary debates of decolonizing the archive. This module equips students with analytic tools necessary to understand and evaluate complex issues surrounding the place of the archive in contemporary Africa. Major focus is on the archive and the politics of knowledge production in postcolonial Africa. This is critical in developing Africa-centred archives which speak to Africa’s needs and development orientations. |
| DAH301 | Industrial Attachment (CORE) | From first year to first semester of third year students are required to engage organisations that preserve information such as libraries, government departments, parastatals and private organisations. They should seek attachment over the vacation and they should write a report. |
| DAH302 | Appraisal and Disposal of Records (CORE) | This module equips students with relevant and appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies to explain and analyse the processes to be followed in appraisal, retention and disposal of records in different formats, according to sound records management practices. This ensures the safeguarding and protection of critical records that might otherwise be unwittingly destroyed/shredded. |
| DAH303 | Missionary Archives and Health Records Management (OPTIONAL) | The module dwells on the management of missionary and health archives in postcolonial Africa. It explores various archival records left by missionaries in Africa. This module also examines the principles of health information technology. Major focus will be on development, content and management of missionary archives and medical records. It also explores issues of access, release and disposal of records. |
| HIA305 | Oral Histories and Oral traditions (OPTIONAL) |
The module examines the transmission of Africans' unwritten history by word of mouth. It explores the various methods through which this history was generated and assesses its usefulness and limitations. In the process, the course enables students to compare oral traditions with other sources of history. The module equips students with necessary skills to handle, analyse, interpret and archive oral traditions and oral histories. This is useful in as far as oral traditions and histories are at the core of gathering data which is wholesome and holistic. |
| DAH307 | Managing Information and Records in Public and Private Organisations (CORE) |
This module explores the management of records in public and private sector organisations. It addresses the principal issues which impact on the management and keeping of records, the theories, laws and standards which underpin these processes and the implementation of effective retention strategies. These are key factors which significantly shape records and information creation and management, including people, organisational cultures, information cultures, and technology trends in these organisations. |
| DAH308 | Digital Content Production and Management (OPTIONAL) | To be borrowed from Creative Arts Media and Communication |
| DAH309 | Management of Digital Libraries and Archives (CORE) |
The module explores the range of enterprise content management (ECM) solutions for digitization of Archives and Libraries in both public and corporate organizations. Students will appreciate the contemporary challenges and benefits that ensue with employing ECM solutions for the management of digital archives within the broader business environment. Project Management issues in Digital Archiving will be covered and this is meant to provide students with knowledge and practical experience in planning, organizing and managing projects in ways that stimulate human creativity and productivity. Students will learn that projects are the vehicles to introduce change into complex systems and that managing that process requires technical expertise, specialized skills and good leadership qualities. The Management of Digital Libraries and Archives module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and technologies involved in managing digital libraries and archives. The module covers the entire lifecycle of digital resources, from creation and acquisition to preservation and access. |
| DAH310 | Disasters and Recovery of Archives and Records (OPTIONAL) | The module focuses on the disasters that have occurred in archival and records management systems in different parts of the world and on the recovery plans or lack thereof used to deal with these disasters. It highlights the great importance of the need to develop appropriate and effective recovery plans and methods to deal with potential and actual disasters in archival and record management systems. Among the topics to be covered in the module are the history of disasters and disaster recovery attempts in archival and record management systems in Europe and Africa and case studies in the effectiveness of disaster recovery plans and methods for archival and records management systems. |
| DAH401 | Archival heritage (CORE) |
This module explores the history, theory and practice of archival heritage. It examines the role of archives in preserving collective memory, shaping identity, and supporting research, while also considering the challenges of digitization, access and ethics. Students will critically engage with archival practices, practices, policies and debates and gain foundational skills in archival research and management. |
| DAH402 | Records, Archives and the Law (CORE) |
This module examines the legal frameworks that govern records acquisition, preservation, digitization and management. It also discusses the regulations and best practices pertaining to disposal of records and archives. |
| DAH403 | Rare Books and Special Collections (OPTIONAL) | This module provides a general introduction to the specialist field of rare books and special collections. It gives a brief overview of the development of rare books and special collections. Focus is on the challenges of managing these resources in contemporary societies. This is pertinent in providing a basic outline of the fundamentals of defining, developing, and administering rare book collections. |
| DAH404 | Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Archives Management (OPTIONAL) | This module equips students with skills to examine the nature of, and challenges associated with, the management of electronic records to ensure that records remain accessible over time. The module also focuses on records that are created electronically and managed by means of computer technology. |
| DAH407 | Heritage interpretation and Presentation (OPTIONAL) | To be borrowed from African Heritage and Knowledge Systems |
| DAH408 | Archives and Advocacy (OPTIONAL) | This module examines trends around advocacy, promotion, outreach, public awareness as well as access and use of archives and records. This module equips students with knowledge, competencies and skills to analyse the relevance of archives to both the public on the one hand as well as political and funding authorities on the other hand. |
| DAH409 | Project / Dissertation (CORE AND COMPULSORY) | The project is structured and demonstrates the student’s ability to create goods and services through innovation. It must show the application of ICTs as archival platforms and in the process produce innovations that lead to patentable research. The written part of the project shall be allocated marks as it explains the research process that produces goods and services. |
